There is no set regulatory body or authority to say who is and who isn’t a social media expert, your aunty down the road who gives advice freely and has a facebook account she doesn’t know how to use is not an authority. Be sure that the advice you take is from people that know what they are talking about.

So how do you tell a poser from a real social media expert? There are some key tale tell signs that you can look out for. Below are some examples of people you should not be listening to.

Someone that is an expert does not go on about how they are experts, when they become experts, what makes them an expert. Experts are experts because the advice they give is knowledgeable, tested and has been successfully applied,  be careful of people that use the term “expert” loosely.

Actions speak louder than words; do they have the experience and not just retorting theory of being social media experts? Reading everything on something does not make you an expert.  Make sure your expert is living the brand not just talking about it.

Social Media should not be seen only as an add-on. It should be included as part of a comprehensive media and marketing campaign. Social Media should not be replacing a current service; it should be encompassing a full service approach.

When measuring the results against the objective make sure you have got quality not quantity.

The bottom line is that there are people that offer advice because they know what they are talking about and people that offer advice because they think they know what they are talking about. Acknowledge that not everyone is an expert before they get involved with your brand.

Lianne du Toit